Lagos Health District IV, in commemoration of World Diabetes Day, joined the State Ministry of Health as it flags off Project 10 Million, an initiative of the Nigerian Governors Forum, aimed at screening 10 Million Nigerians for Diabetes & Hypertension.
Bearing in mind that Diabetes and Hypertension are known to be a significant public health concern, Health District IV organised a free medical outreach across its jurisdiction in Lagos Mainland, Surulere, Apapa, and Lagos lsland.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Health District IV, Dr. Abimbola Bowale, “The purpose of the programme is to create awareness and encourage people to come out for screening, to know their numbers and bring them under control”,
He said: “Once you create awareness, people are encouraged to come forward and check what their blood sugar level is and seek appropriate help if their figures are high”.
He informed that the awareness campaign is still ongoing across all the local government areas and general hospitals in Lagos, where free screening, health talks, tests and treatment are being administered to people who come out for the important exercise.
Dr. Bowale highlighted the damages Diabetes and Hypertension can cause, adding that it is very important for people to actually ‘know their numbers’ to seek prompt medical help on time and receive adequate treatment.
The Permanent Secretary said, “We have more than 300 PHCs’ and 30 General Hospitals willing to accept all individuals that show up for screening and receive treatment accordingly. Our Health Professionals will ensure the availability of medical kits to run the test, compliance and orderliness at the screening grounds”.
Dr. Bowale, therefore, advised people living with Diabetes and Hypertension to always seek help on time, to prevent complications and damages it can cause, which invariably will reduce the mortality rate.
Addressing participants at Yaba Local Government Secretariat, Mrs. Ayoade Olusola, a registered dietitian, gave a health talk on diabetes and hypertension, stressing lifestyle modification, good diet, regular exercise and medication.
She urged everyone to always check their blood sugar levels and engage in physical exercises with a physical demonstration with participants at the event.
One of the participants, Mrs. Basirat Adaranijo, said, “Most people are not even aware of this ailment, they are living with it, this programme is an eye opener to many here today. We have realised that Diabetes does not affect only the old, young people can also have it”.